Some rookies explode onto the scene every year and become instant contributors to their teams and, more importantly, their fantasy managers (Hello, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons). Others have more of a “Jalen Reagor” impact. Our analysts combed through the NFL rosters and identified the top rookie on every team. The results and accompanying justifications are below.
Previously, our analysts took a look at the most overrated and underrated players on each NFL team:
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Top Rookies on Each NFC East Team
NFC East
| TEAM | Andrew | Derek | Pat | Worm |
| Dallas Cowboys | Mazi Smith | Mazi Smith | Mazi Smith | Mazi Smith |
| New York Giants | Jalin Hyatt | Deonte Banks | Deonte Banks | Jalin Hyatt |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Jalen Carter | Jalen Carter | Jalen Carter | Jalen Carter |
| Washington Commanders | Chris Rodriguez | Emmanuel Forbes | Emmanuel Forbes | Emmanuel Forbes |
Mazi Smith (DT – DAL)
The Cowboys boast one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, and adding Mazi Smith to free up the pass rushers will prove to be a deadly combination. The 323-pound mammoth of a man finished top 10 in the nation in run stops and tackles among interior defensive linemen in 2022. His 11% pressure share and pressures per game ranked first. – Erickson
Deonte Banks (CB – NYG)
Deonte Banks‘ coverage ability will inject some needed talent into the Giants’ secondary. Last year they ranked 22nd in pass defense DVOA (per Football Outsiders). Banks allowed a 43.3% catch rate and 71.4 passer rating in coverage last year (per PFF). The Giants won’t be among the best defenses in the league, but the addition of Banks is a big step in the right direction. – DBro
Jalen Carter (DT – PHI)
The Eagles might break their own sack record from last season if Jalen Carter delivers on the hype. Carter graded out as PFF’s third-highest-graded defensive tackle in 2023. His run-stop percentage ranked second-best in the nation and his 13% pressure rate ranked 2nd among defensive tackles in the 2023 draft class. His 16% true pressure rate also tied for first (16%) among defensive tackles and was an identical mark to edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. – Erickson
Emmanuel Forbes (CB – WSH)
The Commanders raised eyebrows by drafting Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes 16th overall, one spot ahead of more highly touted Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez. At 6-1 and 166 pounds, Forbes is skinnier than a lamp post, but he has long limbs, 4.35 speed and exceptional ball instincts. Forbes recorded 14 interceptions in 35 college games and ran six of them back for touchdowns. Washington badly needed help at cornerback, and Forbes figures to earn playing time for the Commanders immediately. – Pat Fitzmaurice
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